Award-winning actress and producer Funke Akindele has reiterated that her mission in Nollywood is rooted in storytelling, not rivalry.
Speaking at an awards ceremony organised by the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Akindele dismissed suggestions of competition within the industry, stating that her priority is showcasing authentic Nigerian and African experiences.
“It’s not a competition. I just want to tell African stories, our own Nigerian stories,” she said. “I want people to feel accepted and loved. I want audiences to watch our films, learn from them, and hear our stories directly from us.”
While hinting at upcoming projects, the filmmaker declined to share specifics. She assured fans that they would be pleased with what she has planned but maintained that she prefers to keep details under wraps for now.
Akindele also emphasised that she avoids putting pressure on herself, choosing instead to focus on steady growth and consistency in her craft.
Her track record at the box office underscores that approach. The filmmaker’s four highest-grossing films have collectively earned more than N7.6 billion. Her latest release, Behind The Scenes, generated N2.7 billion, emerging as the highest-grossing Nollywood film to date.
Reflecting on her creative process, Akindele credited constructive criticism and continuous learning as key drivers of her success. She said she actively studies other filmmakers’ work, reads extensively, and explores new storytelling techniques to refine her craft.
The actress revealed that she had initially considered producing a sequel to A Tribe Called Judah, but felt compelled to pursue a different creative direction instead, a decision she believes paid off.
According to her, growth requires stepping beyond familiar patterns. And for Akindele, that evolution continues to shape one of Nollywood’s most commercially successful careers.
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